Motor abilities’ model values of junior rhythmic gymnasts in the Republic of Croatia

Knowing the current status of rhythmic gymnasts’ motor abilities allows a valid objective evaluation of their competitive preparedness and facilitate planning of their further development. The main objective was to determine possible differences in motor abilities of rhythmic gymnasts regarding program level they were competing in, their age and national ranking. Three groups of junior rhythmic gymnasts, competing in either A, B, or C level programs, were investigated. Both the multivariate analysis of variance and univariate analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences in the selected motor abilities regarding the program level (flexibility, strength and coordination). A-level rhythmic gymnasts scored best in all the tests assessing flexibility, coordination and strength. The differences in motor abilities between junior rhythmic gymnasts with regard to their national ranking showed no statistical significance, whereas age was statistically significant. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed significant relations between certain motor abilities among rhythmic gymnasts in A, B and C level programs. The higher the level of a program, the higher the correlatives, and vice versa. Two tests had the largest contribution to the success achieved in the competition: the figure of eight with bending and forward bent on the bench. The scientific value of the proposed research is aimed at better planning, programming and control of training process in rhythmic gymnastics.